The summer of the super team is underway, and the rumors of Chris Paul joining the Spurs are heating up again after The Vertical reported Tuesday Pau Gasol will decline his $16.2 million option for next season and take less money to remain with the team.

Gasol, who will be 37 next season, is doing the Spurs a huge favor as the team attempts to clear cap space for Paul, who is "seriously considering" the Spurs in free agency with hopes of pursuing a championship.

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Several things still need to happen for Paul to join the Spurs, but lessening Gasol's weight on the books is a step in the right direction. The Spurs need to let Patty Mills, Jonathon Simmons and Manu Ginobili walk, in addition to convincing Paul to take less than what he can make if he re-signs with the Clippers. San Antonio already has the max contract of LaMarcus Aldridge on its books.

Paul, 32, is a nine-time All-Star and four-time All-NBA first-team selection but is also a 12-year veteran with a shrinking "prime" window. Is he really worth burdening the team financially?

An NBA championship or a Western Conference title would still be extremely difficult to achieve with the Warriors likely at full strength again next season. The Spurs' possible "Big Three" of Paul, Leonard and Aldridge seems like a better situation for Paul than what the Clippers can offer, but it comes down to what he cherishes more: A legitimate shot at an NBA championship or a max deal worth about $205 million with L.A.